"Guys, it's been a while since we spent time together. Why don't we go out tonight and stay in a hotel if it gets late?" Alex Scurtis suggests as he walks towards Eryx's car. Eryx is the powerful young master of the Silvester family.

"That's a great idea, isn't it?" Alex's amused tone irritates Eryx.

Alex smiles at Braylon, who is sitting next to him silently and squeezing his hands nervously. Braylon always tries to say something to Eryx but ends up staying silent. It's been one week since they finished their degree exam in forensic criminology.

They've all been friends for three years.

"Count me in, babies!"

Revilla jumped suddenly, almost scaring Alex half to death. These young criminology students don't know how many hearts they are going to steal.

A gust of wind blows, making the atmosphere more lively.

“Get in the car, guys. Today is our day to enjoy,” Eryx invited them.

Eryx was at the peak of his enjoyment. He didn't know how to describe the happiness he was feeling right now. But poor him, he didn't know it wouldn't last long.

“Where are we going?” Braylon finally spoke.

His soft, husky voice made Eryx's heart flutter for a moment. He had been friends with Braylon for three years, yet these feelings were strange and hard to explain.

“Let’s go to the hotpot first, then the bar, and afterward, we can rest at a nearby hotel or motel. If we want, we can even go for a long drive,” Eryx suggested.

Revilla and Alex screamed in excitement, clearly enjoying themselves.

“When am I going to tell him that I’m leaving the city and going abroad for further studies? I’ve tried hard to tell him, but he always refuses to listen. My flight is tomorrow evening, and time is so limited. Can I manage to tell him?” Braylon was lost in his thoughts.

Having applied to a university abroad, Braylon needed to study for his entrance exam and stay on campus to revise. This meant he had to leave sooner than expected.

“Braylon, why are you staying silent? Man, at least say something,” Alex said, shaking his shoulder. It was unusual for Braylon to be so quiet. Normally, he was charming, cheerful, and talkative.

“He's been like that for a week,” Eryx groaned, rolling his eyes. He wasn't used to Braylon's silence, and it really irritated him. When they were halfway to the hotpot, a car sped past them, brushing Eryx's ego the wrong way.

“Fuck,” he yelled, speeding up as much as he could.

“Eryx, relax. Don’t try to chase them. We’re here to have fun,” Braylon said, touching his hand. Braylon tried to calm Eryx down as much as he could. He was the only one who could stabilize the young master of Silvester's mood swings. The speed of the car decreased, and everyone let out a sigh of relief.

They reached the hotpot place, which was crowded and lively. It was no surprise since it was located outside the city in a peaceful environment.

They sat around a simmering pot of soup at the center of the table, with various raw ingredients like meat, seafood, vegetables, tofu, and starches.

Braylon was always lost in his emotions. They had been friends for more than three years and were like one soul in two bodies. But for Braylon, the feelings he had for Eryx were not just of friendship but of romantic love.

Yes, he was homosexual. He realized it too late when he discovered his feelings for Eryx. It was hard to hide, especially when his friends were always clingy and unaware of his sexual orientation.

His love had always been silent. He didn't want to reveal it, knowing it would definitely cause chaos between them.

“Let's dig in!” Alex said excitedly, eager to taste the tempting food.

“Stop drooling, man,” Revilla Macbeth chuckled at Alex while piling food onto her plate. She never missed a chance to make fun of him.

Despite the lively atmosphere, Braylon felt a sense of emptiness. He could give up his master’s degree to stay, but he couldn’t abandon his dreams for such a reason.

“Eat more, you’re as skinny as a girl,” Eryx said, serving Braylon food. Revilla pouted cutely at Eryx’s comment.

“Don’t call us skinny! Your darling is the only one who’s underweight. Let’s check the weight; I’m sure he’ll be the one underweight,” she retorted, starting to bicker with Eryx. Alex laughed hard.

“Can you guys please stop fighting? We’re here to eat, not to argue,” Braylon said, calming Eryx down. Revilla and Alex, aware of Braylon’s feelings, looked at him with concern.

It had only been an hour, but it felt much longer. The pleasant, tempting smell of food lingered in their nostrils.

“Eryx, I want to confess something to you, but I'm afraid you’ll hate me afterward,” Braylon thought, engulfed by resentment.

Despite the chilly climate and the tempting food, it was an amazing experience.

“So, what are you guys going to do now that we’ve finished our bachelor’s degrees?” Alex asked, looking at Braylon expectantly, as if he already knew the answer.

Eryx, oblivious to the undercurrents around him, took a sip of wine. “I have no idea yet.”

“I’m going back to my hometown. They’re arranging my marriage, and I need to stop it before it goes too far,” Revilla sighed deeply. Alex frowned at the news.

Unlike the rest, Revilla was from a small town, and her parents were farmers. They had allowed her to study criminology because she wanted to. However, marriage was a different matter; her parents were more concerned about societal expectations.

It wasn't that he didn't know about Revilla's family, but the news about her marriage was sudden. He felt a heaviness in his heart but tried to smile.

They enjoyed the hotpot, savoring it as if it were their first time, even though it wasn't. They had been friends since their first year of college.

They weren't average students; they were the top of their class. Their intelligence secured their high ranks, and others envied them for their academic success and strong, long-lasting friendship. Any misunderstandings were quickly resolved before they could threaten their bond.

“Let’s go to a bar. I want to get drunk until I’m wasted,” Alex shouted, trying to distract himself. Revilla hit him on the head. “Don’t disturb others, you crackhead,” she said, irritated.

Braylon smiled gently while Eryx couldn’t stop laughing. Alex and Revilla were always like that, bickering playfully but deeply understanding each other. They knew each other so well that it sometimes seemed like they were a couple, even though they weren't.

After finishing the hotpot, they headed to a bar known for its strong cocktails, a favorite haunt of theirs where they always sought out the strongest drinks.

They ordered freely, knowing Eryx would foot the bill. Eryx and Revilla engaged in conversation while Braylon seemed lost in thought. Alex nudged him, snapping him out of his reverie.

“Don’t you want to talk to Eryx about your studies? He’ll be upset if he finds out late. You should tell him soon, or who knows how he’ll react,” Alex warned Braylon.

“I don’t know how to bring it up with him. It’s not a simple matter. What if he opposes it? I can’t argue with him, you know that,” Braylon replied, clearly distressed. He was unsure how to approach Eryx, who often didn’t understand Braylon’s perspective.

“What are you guys discussing over there? Plotting something behind our backs?” Eryx asked suspiciously, eyeing Alex and Braylon. They exchanged glances, unsure how to respond.

“That... Braylon wants to tell you something, but he’s struggling to find the right words,” Alex said awkwardly, smiling. Braylon shot Alex a glare.

Eryx stepped closer to Braylon, his heart beating faster.

“What is it you want to talk about?” Eryx leaned in closer to Braylon, who couldn’t meet his gaze and looked away. When Eryx touched Braylon’s hand, Braylon flinched.

“Tell me, Braylon. Why are you so nervous? Is something wrong? Did someone say something? Can I help?” Eryx gently caressed Braylon’s hand, unaware of Braylon's true feelings.

“You know my dream is to achieve something in the forensic department,” Braylon said, trying to speak smoothly to Eryx.

“Yeah, I know. That’s why you chose this major,” Eryx replied.

“I’m preparing for the entrance exam for the master’s degree. If I stay here, I won’t be able to focus on studying properly. So…” Braylon paused, unable to finish his sentence.

So!!

Eryx raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“So, I’m leaving abroad tomorrow evening. I need to go to study there. If I pass the entrance exam, I’ll pursue my master's degree abroad,” Braylon said, avoiding Eryx’s gaze.

“So you won’t come back until you finish your master’s degree,” Eryx stated, looking at Braylon intensely. “Do you even plan to come back?”

Braylon felt guilty as Eryx’s expression darkened.

“Why didn’t you tell me this sooner? Why wait until now?” Eryx slammed his glass on the table, causing Braylon to flinch.

“I tried to tell you, but you ignored me. I’ve been trying for a month, but you wouldn’t listen,” Braylon pleaded with his eyes, begging for Eryx’s understanding. Eryx refused to meet his gaze. Braylon grabbed Eryx’s hand, shaking it gently.

“Look at me, Eryx. I didn’t mean to keep this from you. Every time I tried to talk to you about it, you brushed me off. Please don’t be angry with me,” Braylon pleaded, unable to face Eryx’s anger.

Eryx remained silent, taking another cocktail and drinking continuously. Braylon tried to stop him, but Eryx ignored everyone, including Alex and Revilla. He kept drinking until he was completely wasted.

"He's completely wasted," Revilla sighed. "What are we going to do?" Braylon looked at them helplessly.

"You're the only one who can calm him down. We can't even get close to him. So take care of him. We can't stay with you," Alex sighed deeply. They all knew that Braylon was the only one Eryx would listen to. Braylon sighed in resignation.

Together, Alex and Revilla helped Braylon manage Eryx. Braylon didn't know what to do next. He decided to take Eryx to a nearby motel close to the bar they had been at. He booked a room for them, leaving the last available private room for Revilla, and Alex took another separate room.

Braylon had no choice but to stay with Eryx in their shared room. He was anxious about his ability to handle the situation without letting his own emotions get the better of him.

Braylon struggled to carry Eryx into the room, feeling the weight of his intoxicated friend as he tried to open the door. Finally getting inside, Eryx closed the door forcefully, slamming Braylon against it, causing him to cry out in pain.

“Eryx, what the hell, man! That hurt!” Braylon shouted, but his anger dissolved when he saw Eryx's gloomy, emotionless face, tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Eryx, are you okay? Why... why are you crying?” Braylon's voice cracked with concern.

“Why do you have to leave the city? Just stay with me, Braylon. I can’t live without you,” Eryx sobbed, his emotions pouring out like a child.

Braylon stood there, stunned. He had never seen Eryx like this before, vulnerable and in tears. He realized how much his departure was affecting Eryx, stirring conflicting emotions within himself.

Braylon couldn't bear to see Eryx in such distress. He gently caressed Eryx's cheeks with love in his eyes, finally revealing his true feelings.

“Eryx, I don't want to have any regrets. You might forget this when you wake up tomorrow, but I need to tell you...” Braylon's heart raced.

“I have feelings for you, Eryx. Not just as a friend, but romantically. It might make you uncomfortable, but I had to say it,” Braylon pressed a soft kiss on Eryx's trembling lips, his own lips trembling with nervousness—it was his first kiss, filled with love.

Eryx responded by nuzzling Braylon's face gently, softly returning the kiss, causing Braylon to blush under his touch.

“So, you love me,” Eryx whispered, their faces close. He gently guided Braylon, deepening the kiss, a rush of emotions surging through them both.

That room filled with the sound of their mingling into one soul. As Braylon's hips started to move on their own, a seductive smirk grew on Eryx's lip.

Even though Eryx was drunk, his words and reactions were as if he wasn't drunk. His words made Braylon quiver in pleasure. The electric sensation when Eryx hit him made him breathless.

His first time with Eryx what he dreamt of now came true but his heart filled with the emptiness of leaving Eryx. He didn't want to get parted with Eryx but if he stayed here anymore, couldn't restrain his feelings.

Silvery tears came out of his eyes unknowingly. It was not because of pain but because of the pleasure that was given by Eryx. He didn't want to end this night. He wanted to stop the time, staying in his love's embrace forever. But it wasn't going to happen as They had to return to reality.

When Braylon spaced out Eryx licked Braylon's tears to get him back to the earth. When his wet and slippery tongue touched Braylon's cheek, he snapped out of his thoughts.

“Does it hurt?” Eryx asked, rubbing his cheek with one hand while the other gently massaged his abdomen.

Braylon whimpered softly as Eryx continued to caress his cheeks gently. He couldn't believe he was lying there with Eryx.

“Just stay with me, Braylon. We can study together here,” Eryx murmured, resting his head on Braylon's shoulder. But the words he hoped to hear didn't come from Braylon's mouth.

“I have already applied, Eryx. I can not do anything”, As Braylon said, Eryx pulled out his shaft and shoved hard inside him which made Braylon scream in pain.

"I don't want you to leave me," Eryx confessed, his demeanor shifting as he expressed a desperate longing for Braylon, bordering on obsession. He seemed consumed by his emotions, almost animalistic in his intensity.

Eryx released his frustration on Braylon, making Braylon breathless. Eryx planted his seeds inside Braylon that didn't receive objection from Braylon's side. They both were panting hard and Braylon was almost choked by his dominance. It was his first sex with his love, he indeed loved that streamy lovemaking. But Eryx was aggressive which Braylon disliked the most.

Eryx laid down and quickly fell asleep. Braylon sighed heavily, gently stroking Eryx's hair.

He had only intended to confess his love to Eryx, never expecting things to escalate this far. Braylon decided not to wake Eryx, instead embracing him and closing his eyes, savoring the surreal moment as if it were a dream he never wanted to end.

The next afternoon...

When Eryx woke up, he found himself lying naked on a comfortable bed. The hangover was pounding in his head, and he rubbed his forehead in pain.

His first instinct was to look for Braylon, who had slept with him the previous night. But the space beside him was empty. Eryx sat up in bed, looking around the room in confusion.

His clothes lay scattered on the floor, but there was no sign of Braylon. Eryx clenched his fists tightly, his expression grimacing with frustration and his heart sinking.

He checked his phone and saw that it was already 1 PM. Feeling unsteady, Eryx got up and made his way to the bathroom. Turning on the shower, he stood under the hot water for a long time, letting it cascade over him, attempting to soothe not just his physical hangover but also the pain in his heart.

He usually forgot what happened after drinking, but this time, he remembered everything from last night vividly. Braylon had confessed his love and then left for another country, seemingly leaving Eryx's life.

After coming out of the shower, Eryx picked up his clothes from the floor and dressed himself. Glancing back at the bed, memories of Braylon crying and their intimate encounter flooded his mind, the evidence of their passion still visible on the sheets.

Running a hand through his hair, Eryx let out a deep sigh. He left the room and checked on Alex and Revilla, finding them still asleep in their respective rooms.

Exiting the motel, Eryx hesitated, torn between leaving and staying to watch over Alex and Revilla. Eventually, he decided to stay a while longer.

Half an hour later, Alex and Revilla emerged from their rooms with tired expressions, clearly still affected by the previous night's alcohol.

"Hey man, sorry for keeping you waiting. My head is killing me," Alex said, placing a hand on Eryx's shoulder and grimacing in pain.

Revilla looked around, noticing Braylon wasn't with Eryx. "Where's Braylon? Hasn't he woken up yet?" She leaned against the car, but Eryx remained silent, indicating Braylon had already left the motel. They understood not to press him further on the matter.

"Let's get in the car; it's getting late," Alex suggested, trying to lighten the somber mood, though Eryx's mood remained unchanged.

“Braylon, where the hell are you, man?” Eryx shouted as he entered the hall, drawing puzzled looks from everyone present.

“Eryx, what's wrong?” Mrs. Rhys emerged from the kitchen, holding vegetables.

“Where is Braylon, Aunt? He didn't tell me he was leaving the hotel. I got worried, so I came to check on him,” Eryx said, trying to keep his temper in check in front of Mrs. Rhys. Her expression changed instantly.

“Didn't he tell you about his flight? He left an hour ago, Eryx. By now, he's probably already on the plane, and it took off 10 minutes ago,” Mrs. Rhys explained gently.

Mrs. Rhys appeared shocked because Braylon typically didn't keep anything from Eryx. Besides his parents, Eryx was Braylon's closest confidant among their friends. No one understood Braylon as well as Eryx did, but now Braylon had kept his plans for studying abroad hidden.

In reality, it was Eryx who hadn't listened to Braylon. He clenched his fist, feeling a wave of frustration.

"Is everything alright, Eryx? Braylon wouldn't hide anything from you. Did you two have an argument?" Mrs. Rhys asked, clearly concerned for both of them. Her worry was palpable. Eryx took a deep breath and met her gaze.

"I completely forgot, Aunt. He told me last night, but I was drunk and didn't pay attention. I came here to check on him, to see if he got home safely, and it seems he did," Eryx replied with a warm smile on his face, though behind it lay a bitter truth.

After realizing Braylon's true feelings for him, Eryx found it difficult to accept his absence. He yearned to hold Braylon in his arms and keep him close, unwilling to let him out of his sight. It felt irrational, but it was undeniably true.

"Don't drink too much, it'll upset your stomach. Come and sit for a while. Lunch will be ready soon," Mrs. Rhys suggested, walking towards the kitchen.

"It's okay, Aunt. I'll come back later. I have some things to take care of," Eryx replied, scratching his back awkwardly and forcing a smile.

Mrs. Rhys sighed knowingly, aware that he was lying but unable to stop worrying about him. She nodded reluctantly.

"Then, I'll take my leave," Eryx said with a heavy heart.

Leaving the mansion, Eryx leaned against his car, trying to maintain his composure. The more he tried to suppress his emotions, the more they boiled over into frustration and anger.

Driving home, he found Mr. and Mrs. Silvester in the hall, engaged in conversation with a guest.

"Eryx..." Mrs. Silvester approached him, her expression concerned.